Ethics of HP: Just add water

A young mother is concerned about how she should vote when the local community is asked to express its opinions about fluoridation of the local water supply. Fiona is a 36 year old mother of 3 children under the age of 6. Fiona and her family live in the Far North town of Kaitake. The Kaitake town council is currently considering fluoridation of the town’s water supplies. There is considerable disagreement in the town about fluoridation and the council have decided to ask its residents to vote on this issue. Fiona is uncertain about whether to vote for or against fluoridation and has come to you for advice. She has heard lots of good things about fluoridation and the positive effects for dental health. However, Micheal, Fiona’s husband, is against the idea. He has heard lots of bad things about the negative affects of fluoridation on general health. Micheal is also worried that fluoridation of the town water supply removes people’s choices. It is proposed that the fluoridation of water supplies in Kaikati will take place.